tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74272270422214421472024-03-12T01:00:53.678-07:00The Floor Guy on FlooringThe Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-23472546289816287162023-06-22T15:52:00.001-07:002023-06-22T15:54:11.647-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="comp mntl-bylines__group--author mntl-bylines__group mntl-block" id="mntl-bylines__group_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.125; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0.125rem; padding: 0px; width: 596.297px;"><img alt="Vinyl and laminate flooring" class="primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry loaded" height="400" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/4dl90IA0uGvepbYCa9BKHIaUFCE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_0372-5de7d94ebd85420f98f8c45e5bf8f670.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/-no2awZvMtFuKAsCTVtAK5_7AYw=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_0372-5de7d94ebd85420f98f8c45e5bf8f670.jpg 750w" style="--blurry: url('data:image/gif;charset=utf-8;base64,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'); background-image: none; background-size: 100% 100%; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; height: 399.594px; left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: filter 0.15s linear 0s; width: 600px;" width="678" /></div></div><div class="loc article-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; grid-area: header / header / header / header; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="comp heading" id="heading_2-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 class="heading__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-size: 2.75rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.0125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring: What's the Difference</h1><p class="heading__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.375rem; letter-spacing: 0.0187rem; line-height: 1.09; margin: -0.25rem 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px 1rem; text-align: center;">Learn the key similarities and differences before starting your next project.</p><p class="heading__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; flex: 0 0 100%; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.375rem; letter-spacing: 0.0187rem; line-height: 1.09; margin: -0.25rem 0px 0.875rem; padding: 0px 1rem; text-align: center;"><br /></p></div></div><div class="loc article-content" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; grid-area: content / content / content / content; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1rem;"><div class="comp article__structured-wrapper div mntl-block" data-contain-tooltips="true" id="article__structured-wrapper_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="comp text-passage structured-content sc-page mntl-sc-page mntl-block" data-bind-scroll-on-start="true" data-sc-ad-label-height="11" data-sc-ad-track-spacing="100" data-sc-breakpoint="50em" data-sc-content-positions="[1, 1, 1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1]" data-sc-load-immediate="5" data-sc-max-track-height="600" data-sc-min-track-height="250" data-sc-sticky-offset="138" id="sc-page_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">When you're after durable, economical, or attractive flooring that's easy to install yourself, you're often left deciding between two top contenders: vinyl vs laminate flooring. They're equally easy to install, cost about the same, and they're both attractive. To the untrained eye, it seems the only difference is the name.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">So, is there any difference? Yes. While vinyl and laminate seem similar on the surface, there are several crucial differences like moisture resistance, durability, and maintenance, that will drastically influence your decision.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-5" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="comp mntl-native" data-right-rail-index="2" id="mntl-native_3-0" style="--native-ad-height: auto; box-sizing: border-box; height: var(--native-ad-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 600px;"><div class="comp scads-to-load mntl-native__adunit mntl-gpt-dynamic-adunit mntl-gpt-adunit gpt native dynamic js-immediate-ad js-immediate-ad-loaded" id="mntl-native__adunit_3-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></div></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-major-differences" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-6" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem;">The key difference between vinyl and laminate flooring is the materials they're made from. </span><span style="font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem;">Laminate flooring is comprised of several layers laminated together, including a wood fiberboard core. Vinyl flooring, while also available with several layers, is limited to synthetic materials.</span></h2><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-8" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-table mntl-sc-block-table" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-10" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper--no-scroll" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><table class="mntl-sc-block-table__table" style="background: 0px 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); float: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; max-width: 5vw; min-width: 100%; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></colgroup><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></colgroup><tbody data-check="-1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Item</span></td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Purpose</span></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">UV Acrylic Coating</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Protects the floor from sun damage</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Wear Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Protects against scratches</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Print or Image Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">The image or look of the flooring</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">PVC Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Provides stability and support</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Core</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">The main body of the flooring made of PVC</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Built-in Underlayment</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Soft layer helps with uneven subfloors</td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-11" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Common <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/vinyl-flooring-materials-1314764" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">types of vinyl flooring</a> include the following:</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-13" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><ul class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-14" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Sheet Vinyl</li></ul><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-15" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-16" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring is a 100-percent synthetic material. In standard sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles, the base layer is usually fiberglass that's coated in PVC and a plasticizer. The resulting sheet is printed and embossed with a surface print layer. Over this, multiple wear layers are applied, along with a layer of no-wax polyurethane.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-17" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-18" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Not all plank vinyl flooring has built-in underlayment, though it's found on an increasing number of vinyl floors. With <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-luxury-vinyl-plank-floors-1822802" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">vinyl plank flooring</a>, the core layer is a thicker, multi-layer PVC. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in planks or tiles that interlock side-to-side to form a <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-floating-floor-1821740" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">floating floor</a>. The overall thickness for vinyl flooring ranges from 1.5 mm for sheet vinyl to 5 mm for luxury vinyl planks.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-19" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="comp theme-definition text-passage lifestyle-sc-block-callout--border mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-callout--definition lifestyle-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="mntl-sc-block-callout" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-20" style="border-bottom: 0.0625rem solid rgb(176, 221, 221); border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: 0.0625rem solid rgb(176, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 1.875rem auto; padding: 1rem 0px 0.75rem; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 548.562px;"><h3 class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 400; left: auto; letter-spacing: 0.03125rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: auto; transform: none; width: 548.562px;">What Is a Floating Floor?</h3><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; margin: 0.5rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">A floating floor is a floor system comprised of components that lock together, forgoing the use of nails, glue, or other fasteners. A floating floor rests on top of, but does not physically attach to the subfloor material.</p></div></div><div class="comp download-link lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink--text mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink--download lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-21" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> <a class="mntl-sc-block-featuredlink__link mntl-text-link" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="featured-link-download" href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-flooring-1821631" id="mntl-sc-block-featuredlink__link_1-0" rel="nocaes" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.5; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;"><span class="link__wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Flooring</span></a></div><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-22" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-23" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-table mntl-sc-block-table" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-24" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper--no-scroll" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><table class="mntl-sc-block-table__table" style="background: 0px 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); float: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; max-width: 5vw; min-width: 100%; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></colgroup><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></colgroup><tbody data-check="-1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Item</span></td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Purpose</span></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Wear Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Clear aluminum oxide layer to protect floor against scratches</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Print Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">The image or look of the flooring</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Core Layer</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">The main body of the floor, made of highly compressed wood fibers</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Built-in Underlayment</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Soft layer helps with uneven subfloors</td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-25" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-26" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/installing-laminate-flooring-in-kitchen-1822244" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Laminate flooring</a>, which is limited to planks, is similar to LVP in its look and method of installation. The critical difference is that its core is made from wood byproducts bonded with resins. The top surface is a hard, transparent plastic wear layer that covers the printed design layer. The overall thickness for laminate flooring planks ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-27" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-28" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">As with plank vinyl, a built-in underlayment is an option. Built-in underlayment is increasingly popular as DIYers decide they want to eliminate the step of rolling out separate underlayments.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-29" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-appearance" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-30" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Appearance</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-31" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Laminate is the best flooring option for appearance. </span>Both laminate and vinyl flooring are generally comparable in appearance, but more laminate options closely mimic <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/engineered-hardwood-vs-solid-flooring-1821677" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">hand-scraped hardwood</a>, stone, ceramics, and other materials.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-32" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-33" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-34" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring's thick top layer allows for deep, realistic three-dimensional embossing on its surfaces, with accurate images of the natural material being portrayed.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-35" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-36" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-37" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring isn't known for its realistic looks but LVP is the most realistic of the bunch. Thicker solid-core vinyl flooring will look more like wood since deeper embossing is possible.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-38" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-39" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-height: none; max-width: calc(100% - 4rem); overflow: initial; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 536px;"><div class="figure-media" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><div class="img-placeholder" style="background: rgb(232, 232, 232); box-sizing: border-box; height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 356.969px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><img alt="Laminate floor plank" class="universal-image__image lazyloaded" data-click-tracked="true" data-expand="300" data-img-lightbox="true" data-sizes="750px" data-src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/YySu_FBOWfvEI9K-toT6JjmRJYM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_laminate_0615-7a3f3e691e1a441694dd681ef85ee079.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/__kQbIRs5QpJAYrvA-gUNnuAdaM=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_laminate_0615-7a3f3e691e1a441694dd681ef85ee079.jpg 750w" data-tracking-container="true" height="1000" id="mntl-sc-block-image_1-0" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/YySu_FBOWfvEI9K-toT6JjmRJYM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_laminate_0615-7a3f3e691e1a441694dd681ef85ee079.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/__kQbIRs5QpJAYrvA-gUNnuAdaM=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_laminate_0615-7a3f3e691e1a441694dd681ef85ee079.jpg 750w" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 536px;" width="1500" /></div></div><figcaption class="comp figure-article-caption lifestyle-figure-caption figure__caption" id="lifestyle-figure-caption_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; caption-side: bottom; color: #666666; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1.25; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0.25rem; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;"><br /></figcaption></figure><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-cost" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-40" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cost</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-41" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Vinyl and laminate flooring are competitively priced. </span>However, sheet vinyl is often easier on the wallet. Most laminate and vinyl options are <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/inexpensive-kitchen-flooring-ideas-1315016" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">less expensive</a> than natural hardwood, engineered wood, and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile, which make them popular flooring alternatives for those looking to save money.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-42" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-43" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-44" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring ranges from about $1.00 per square foot for 7 mm-thick planks to about $5.00 per square foot for 12 mm-thick planks.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-45" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-46" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-47" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring can cost as little as $1.00 per square foot for thin, glue-down vinyl flooring. Vinyl costs rise to around $5.00 per square foot for LVP, and premium brands will cost even more. For those looking to save as much money as possible, budget-friendly sheet vinyl options are available for as low as $0.65 per square foot.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-48" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-water-resistance" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-49" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Water Resistance</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-50" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Vinyl flooring is more water-resistant than laminate.</span> In fact, all types of vinyl flooring are considered waterproof because sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP are made with materials that are 100% waterproof. However, seams between planks and tiles can allow water to reach the subflooring if enough liquid is present. In full bathrooms and damp locations such as basements, vinyl flooring materials excel over laminate materials.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-51" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-52" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-53" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Virtually all laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core. Because this core is a wood product, it will soften and swell if <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-and-worst-floors-for-moisture-prone-rooms-1821646" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">exposed to water</a>. The fiberboard core won't resume its original dimensions after it has dried. Additionally, the wear and design layers sometimes peel away after the core has become waterlogged. <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/laminate-floor-mistakes-and-solutions-1900254" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Severely water-damaged laminate flooring</a> usually needs to be replaced; it cannot be fixed.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-54" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-55" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Properly installed laminate flooring, with tight seams and good baseboards or moldings, can <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/can-you-get-laminate-flooring-wet-1822254" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">tolerate pooled water</a> for a short period. For family bathrooms or other areas where standing water is likely, traditional laminate flooring is a poor choice. However, there may be <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/laminate-basement-flooring-1314729" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">newer laminate materials that are better at resisting water</a>.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-56" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="comp theme-recipetip text-passage lifestyle-sc-block-callout--icon mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-callout--recipetip lifestyle-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="mntl-sc-block-callout" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-57" style="background: rgb(242, 251, 250); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 2rem 1.75rem; padding: 1.5rem 2rem 1.5rem 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><h3 class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; font-size: 1.75rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.21; margin: 0px 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem;">Tip</h3><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If you can reasonably dedicate yourself to cleaning up occasional spills and puddles immediately, then laminate flooring may be used successfully in areas of low, intermittent moisture.</p></div></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-58" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-59" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Modern vinyl flooring is waterproof. While older forms of vinyl flooring may have a fabric or felt backing that isn't waterproof, newer iterations of vinyl flooring are made of 100% synthetic materials. Luxury vinyl flooring can be fully immersed in water for long periods, dried out, then reused, completely unaffected.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-60" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="comp theme-warning text-passage lifestyle-sc-block-callout--border mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-callout--warning lifestyle-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="mntl-sc-block-callout" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-61" style="border-color: rgb(255, 152, 129); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.0625rem 0.0625rem 0.375rem; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 1.875rem auto; padding: 1.875rem; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 548.562px;"><h3 class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; left: 273.281px; letter-spacing: 0.03125rem; line-height: 1.688; margin: 0px 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px 0.75rem; position: absolute; text-transform: uppercase; top: -1rem; transform: translateX(-50%); width: max-content;">WARNING</h3><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Just because a flooring material is waterproof doesn't mean it offers protection to structural elements below. If possible, water should be removed immediately to avoid damage to the subfloor. Sheet vinyl that comes in 12-foot wide rolls often requires no seaming on smaller rooms, making it an excellent choice for a truly waterproof floor that protects the subfloor as well.</p></div></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-62" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-height: none; max-width: calc(100% - 4rem); overflow: initial; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 536px;"><div class="figure-media" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><div class="img-placeholder" style="background: rgb(232, 232, 232); box-sizing: border-box; height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 356.969px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><img alt="Luxury vinyl plank" class="universal-image__image lazyloaded" data-click-tracked="true" data-expand="300" data-img-lightbox="true" data-sizes="750px" data-src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/s4MoYPLB9UR-ywFGS1ArmOZrTm0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_luxury_0579-1712465b170b4b51ac767819978ee6b0.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/oCq-5r7BWC6K5v_3BsuDMSI7e7A=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_luxury_0579-1712465b170b4b51ac767819978ee6b0.jpg 750w" data-tracking-container="true" height="1000" id="mntl-sc-block-image_1-0-1" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/s4MoYPLB9UR-ywFGS1ArmOZrTm0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_luxury_0579-1712465b170b4b51ac767819978ee6b0.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/oCq-5r7BWC6K5v_3BsuDMSI7e7A=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_luxury_0579-1712465b170b4b51ac767819978ee6b0.jpg 750w" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 536px;" width="1500" /></div></div></figure><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-heat-resistance" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-63" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Heat Resistance</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-64" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Neither vinyl nor laminate flooring is particularly heat resistant.</span> Vinyl flooring won't shrink or expand as drastically as laminate in extreme temperature fluctuations, but both materials somewhat tie in heat resistance since damage can be done to both under similar circumstances. You can also lay both materials over <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/electric-radiant-floor-1821625" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">radiant heat flooring</a> (provided you limit it to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit), but radiant heat may be a bit more effective under <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/laminate-vs-hardwood-flooring-how-they-compare-1821870" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">laminate flooring</a>.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-65" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-66" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-67" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring's top layer could burn if you drop something extremely hot onto the surface. Additionally, laminate does not tolerate constant temperature changes in a room because it tends to expand and contract.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-68" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-69" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-70" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Like laminate, vinyl flooring can easily scorch if you drop something extremely hot on the surface. However, normal temperature fluctuations don't affect vinyl flooring. Extreme ambient heat exposure can cause problems such as expansion and melted adhesive.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-71" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-care-and-cleaning" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-72" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Care and Cleaning</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-73" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Vinyl flooring is the easiest to thoroughly clean. </span>While both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are easy to keep clean, only vinyl flooring allows the entire span of cleaning methods, from sweeping with a dry broom to <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-mops-to-buy-4137101" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">wet mopping</a>.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-74" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-75" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-76" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring is best cleaned first with dry methods, such as with a dry mop or broom. If you need to wet-clean laminate flooring, you should use only a damp mop that feels almost dry to the touch.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-77" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-78" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-height: none; max-width: calc(100% - 4rem); overflow: initial; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 536px;"><div class="figure-media" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><div class="img-placeholder" style="background: rgb(232, 232, 232); box-sizing: border-box; height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 356.969px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><img alt="Cleaning supplies for laminate floor" class="universal-image__image lazyloaded" data-click-tracked="true" data-expand="300" data-img-lightbox="true" data-sizes="750px" data-src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/rIHPUA2kx1jH2vuRPKZi0QLmQCg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_laminate-fc46572a1e454357ad896e51490207de.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/x7z62QXaJAe2KBMFJec-3PQxoCk=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_laminate-fc46572a1e454357ad896e51490207de.jpg 750w" data-tracking-container="true" height="985" id="mntl-sc-block-image_1-0-2" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/rIHPUA2kx1jH2vuRPKZi0QLmQCg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_laminate-fc46572a1e454357ad896e51490207de.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/x7z62QXaJAe2KBMFJec-3PQxoCk=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_laminate-fc46572a1e454357ad896e51490207de.jpg 750w" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 536px;" width="1478" /></div></div><figcaption class="comp figure-article-caption lifestyle-figure-caption figure__caption" id="lifestyle-figure-caption_1-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; caption-side: bottom; color: #666666; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1.25; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0.25rem; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;"><br /></figcaption></figure><div class="comp download-link lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink--text mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink--download lifestyle-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-79" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> <a class="mntl-sc-block-featuredlink__link mntl-text-link" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="featured-link-download" href="https://www.thespruce.com/clean-vinyl-floors-4769231" id="mntl-sc-block-featuredlink__link_1-0-1" rel="nocaes" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.5; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;"><span class="link__wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box;">How to Clean Vinyl Floors</span></a></div><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-80" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-81" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-82" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring's strongest feature is that it's so easy to care for and clean. Vinyl flooring in good condition can be wet-mopped and, if necessary, vigorously scrubbed with safe cleaning products.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-83" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-84" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-height: none; max-width: calc(100% - 4rem); overflow: initial; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 536px;"><div class="figure-media" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><div class="img-placeholder" style="background: rgb(232, 232, 232); box-sizing: border-box; height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 356.969px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><img alt="Cleaning supplies for vinyl floor" class="universal-image__image lazyloaded" data-click-tracked="true" data-expand="300" data-img-lightbox="true" data-sizes="750px" data-src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/0h-MNPdamX9-dAH1vNTFaAEubmc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_vinyl-9214abe985c04b6592600874f00abce4.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/A9U0yZrhQQcEE5BsvUzfy36TsbE=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_vinyl-9214abe985c04b6592600874f00abce4.jpg 750w" data-tracking-container="true" height="1000" id="mntl-sc-block-image_1-0-3" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/0h-MNPdamX9-dAH1vNTFaAEubmc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_vinyl-9214abe985c04b6592600874f00abce4.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/A9U0yZrhQQcEE5BsvUzfy36TsbE=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_cleaning_vinyl-9214abe985c04b6592600874f00abce4.jpg 750w" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 536px;" width="1500" /></div></div><figcaption class="comp figure-article-caption lifestyle-figure-caption figure__caption" id="lifestyle-figure-caption_1-0-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; caption-side: bottom; color: #666666; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1.25; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0.25rem; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;"><br /></figcaption></figure><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-durability-and-maintenance" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-85" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Durability and Maintenance</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-86" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Vinyl is more durable than laminate flooring. </span>Vinyl flooring is a supremely durable, low-maintenance flooring, thus the industry term <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">resilient flooring</em>. Vinyl flooring is even used in commercial applications, where durability and maintenance are high priorities.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-87" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="comp theme-recipetip text-passage lifestyle-sc-block-callout--icon mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-callout--recipetip lifestyle-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true" data-tracking-id="mntl-sc-block-callout" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-88" style="background: rgb(242, 251, 250); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 2rem 1.75rem; padding: 1.5rem 2rem 1.5rem 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><h3 class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; font-size: 1.75rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.21; margin: 0px 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem;">Tip</h3><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If you're looking for the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/pet-friendly-living-room-floors-1315040" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">best flooring option for pets</a>, vinyl is the winner. In addition, laminate is slippery and may become very loud under the "click-click" of large pet toenails.</p></div></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-89" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-90" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring is durable and low maintenance. However, laminate flooring's many layers may eventually delaminate over time, especially if it's exposed to water for too long. Once the laminate's top wear layer is scratched or chipped, it cannot be repaired. Once delamination starts to happen, the top layers begin to peel up and allow water to enter the lower layers.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-91" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-92" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-93" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring is a tough flooring material that will stand up to high traffic demands. Thin vinyl flooring has a slight advantage over thick vinyl flooring, which can potentially delaminate over time. With the thin flooring, delamination isn't a concern because it's a single cohesive layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Thicker, more expensive plank vinyl flooring's soft underlayment is the weak link in its layering system and has the potential to delaminate.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-94" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-95" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-height: none; max-width: calc(100% - 4rem); overflow: initial; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 536px;"><div class="figure-media" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><div class="img-placeholder" style="background: rgb(232, 232, 232); box-sizing: border-box; height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 356.969px; position: relative; width: 536px;"><img alt="Standard vinyl floor plank" class="universal-image__image lazyloaded" data-click-tracked="true" data-expand="300" data-img-lightbox="true" data-sizes="750px" data-src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/j-ZF_eoXr5dXtcnTF0useDusnZM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_standard_0582-f71bb1fb692745be8689cfe00800cd4a.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/qabgaPq4HcMYyxBZqNWy9p-emiI=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_standard_0582-f71bb1fb692745be8689cfe00800cd4a.jpg 750w" data-tracking-container="true" height="1000" id="mntl-sc-block-image_1-0-4" sizes="750px" src="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/j-ZF_eoXr5dXtcnTF0useDusnZM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_standard_0582-f71bb1fb692745be8689cfe00800cd4a.jpg" srcset="https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/qabgaPq4HcMYyxBZqNWy9p-emiI=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800_vinyl_standard_0582-f71bb1fb692745be8689cfe00800cd4a.jpg 750w" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 536px;" width="1500" /></div></div><figcaption class="comp figure-article-caption lifestyle-figure-caption figure__caption" id="lifestyle-figure-caption_1-0-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; caption-side: bottom; color: #666666; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; line-height: 1.25; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0.25rem; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;"><br /></figcaption></figure><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-installation" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-96" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Installation</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-97" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">The ease of installation of vinyl vs laminate flooring is similar.</span> Both materials have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to ease of installation. Vinyl or laminate planks are easier to DIY install than sheet vinyl. Vinyl needs fewer tools than laminate. Installing laminate flooring requires a saw and a certain skill level to use it correctly to cut down on the amount of waste.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-98" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-99" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-100" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-lay-laminate-flooring-1822250" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Laminate flooring</a> uses a click-and-lock installation method, where the tongue of one plank is fitted into the groove of an adjoining plank at an angle. Then the first plank is folded down until it's level with the other plank. This action draws the boards together and closes the seam. An ordinary circular saw or table saw equipped with a fine-tooth blade, or even a hand saw, is used to cut laminate planks.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-101" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-102" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-103" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl planks also use a click-and-lock <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/easy-install-plank-vinyl-flooring-1822808" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">method of installation</a>. However, vinyl flooring planks can simply be cut with a utility knife. A score mark is first made, then the plank is bent back on itself and a second cut is made from the rear.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-104" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-105" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Sheet vinyl flooring does have its disadvantages: sheet vinyl can be a difficult material for DIYers to install. The material is large, heavy, and unwieldy. Plus, it can be hard to make complicated cutouts from sheet goods. If you are installing sheet vinyl, professional installation is often your best bet.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-106" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-lifespan" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-107" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lifespan</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-108" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Laminate and vinyl flooring have similar lifespans if properly cared for.</span> As long as laminate flooring is kept reasonably dry and is regularly cleaned, buyers may expect lifespans close to that of vinyl flooring.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-109" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-110" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-111" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Laminate flooring warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years, but this is dependent on a rigorous maintenance schedule.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-112" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-113" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-114" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Warranties on luxury vinyl flooring often range up to 20 years.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-115" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-comfort--sound" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-116" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Comfort & Sound</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-117" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Both laminate and vinyl flooring can be quiet and comfortable to walk on. </span>Laminate flooring products can feel and sound somewhat hollow underfoot when compared to the wood floors they are supposed to mimic. But when combined with either foam or felt underlayment, laminate flooring may be quieter, softer, and more comfortable to walk on.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-118" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-119" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-120" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Though laminate flooring does not feel like wood, it does have a <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/warm-floors-for-your-home-1314942" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">warm feeling</a>, especially when coupled with premium-quality underlayment. You can commonly hear people walking on laminate if they are wearing heels.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-121" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-122" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-123" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl floors of all types can feel cold or hard on the feet, especially when they are installed over concrete or existing ceramic tile floors. But walking with heels on vinyl flooring is typically quiet.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-124" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-resale-value" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-125" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Resale Value</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-126" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Quality laminate flooring and vinyl flooring lend a comparable amount of value to a home.</span> Neither brings the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/wood-flooring-resale-value-1821878" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">high-value prestige</a> of solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, designer ceramic tile, or natural stone floors. At the same time, quality laminate or vinyl flooring usually will not put off prospective home buyers.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-127" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-128" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-129" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Premium laminate flooring can lend extra resale value to a home, as long as it's relatively new and in good condition.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-130" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-131" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-132" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Major brand luxury vinyl plank flooring will bring decent resale value to a home. However, cheap vinyl flooring will often be seen by buyers as a project-in-waiting once the house has sold.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-133" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-environmental-impact" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-134" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Environmental Impact</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-135" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Neither laminate nor vinyl flooring is significantly environmentally friendly.</span> If using green building materials is important to you, laminate flooring has a small advantage, thanks to the natural wood content of the fiberboard core. Still, neither of these materials is especially <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/eco-friendly-building-materials-1821766" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">environmentally friendly</a> in the way that natural wood, linoleum, or <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-strand-bamboo-flooring-1821668" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">bamboo floor</a> coverings are.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-136" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-137" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-138" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Some laminate flooring manufacturers offer products that qualify for LEED MR4 (Recycled Content) status. But laminate flooring still uses a plastic surface layer, and the melamine resins used in the creation of the core level are by no means green materials since they may off-gas chemicals.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-139" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-140" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-141" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring has improved its green stature in recent years. Some vinyl flooring manufacturers now offer products that achieve a LEED credit EQ4.3 for Low-Emitting Material. Vinyl is a synthetic material that is known to produce toxic chemicals when burned. Vinyl does not decompose in landfills, and recycling it is usually not an option.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-142" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-stain-resistance" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-143" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stain Resistance</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-144" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Laminate and vinyl flooring are both stain-resistant. </span>Good quality modern vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both receive wear layers treated with properties that do an excellent job of resisting stains.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-145" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-146" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-147" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">The top layer of laminate flooring is a clear aluminum oxide layer that is superior for stain resistance.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-148" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-149" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-150" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Quality vinyl flooring is coated with a transparent urethane layer that provides excellent stain resistance.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-151" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-recommended-installation-areas" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-152" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Recommended Installation Areas</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-153" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Vinyl can be installed throughout the home, while laminate should only be used in certain areas. </span>So, is vinyl or laminate flooring a better option for your space?</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-154" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-installation-areas-what-is-better" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-155" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Installation Areas: What Is Better?</span></h3><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-156" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Vinyl flooring outperforms laminate flooring in the area of water resistance, making it a go-to flooring material for areas that are prone to water and moisture exposure.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-157" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><figure class="comp mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-table mntl-sc-block-table" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-158" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper mntl-sc-block-table__table-wrapper--no-scroll" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><table class="mntl-sc-block-table__table" style="background: 0px 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); float: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; max-width: 5vw; min-width: 100%; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;"><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 196px;"></colgroup><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 127px;"></colgroup><colgroup span="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 92px;"></colgroup><thead style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;"> Installation Areas</th><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></th><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></th></tr></thead><tbody data-check="0" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Bathroom, Full or Partial</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">No</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Powder Room</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Maybe</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Kitchen</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Maybe</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Dining Room</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Living Room</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Bedroom</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Home Office</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Mudroom</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">No</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr><tr style="background-color: #f2fbfa; box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box;">Basement</th><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">No</td><td style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.2rem 0.3rem; vertical-align: top;">Yes</td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-159" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-which-is-better-laminate-or-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-160" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Which Is Better?: Laminate or Vinyl Flooring</span></h2><p class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-161" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">When it comes to laminate vs vinyl flooring, one is not any better or worse than the other.</span> Vinyl flooring is best for laundry rooms, wet bathrooms, and mudrooms. If you are installing flooring in those rooms, you'll probably want to choose vinyl flooring simply based on moisture resistance. For dry areas, laminate flooring works well and has a generally better appearance. Buyers usually will find more style options with laminate flooring over vinyl flooring.</p><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-162" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-top-brands" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h2 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-163" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Top Brands</span></h2><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-laminate-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-164" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Laminate Flooring</span></h3><ul class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-165" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Dream Home (<a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/lumber-liquidators-review-1821687" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Lumber Liquidators / LL Flooring</a>)</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Pergo</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">QuickStep</li></ul><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-166" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-vinyl-flooring" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-8rem);"></span><h3 class="comp u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-167" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.25; margin: 1.5rem 0px 0.75rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="mntl-sc-block-subheading__text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinyl Flooring</span></h3><ul class="comp text-passage u-how-to-title-align mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-168" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;"><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/armstrong-luxury-vinyl-plank-basics-1822803" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Armstrong</a></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;"><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.thespruce.com/luxury-vinyl-tile-and-plank-flooring-companies-1822814" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00727a; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 114, 122); text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 0.0625rem; text-underline-position: under;">Mannington</a></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; position: relative;">Shaw</li></ul><div class="comp u-no-article-width-restriction mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-adslot mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-169" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="comp text-passage mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-170" style="border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(176, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 2.5rem 0px; padding: 1.875rem 1.5625rem; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 600px;"><span class="heading-toc" id="toc-faq-a56960fd-e42f-43df-bb8c-336eefb94fb2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; transform: translateY(-12rem);"></span><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-size: 2rem; line-height: 1.125; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.75rem; position: absolute; transform: translate(-0.75rem, -3rem);">FAQ</div><ul class="comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="accordion__header js-accordion-trigger" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-section-0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: auto; display: flex; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: background 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;" tabindex="-1"><span class="accordion__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 1 auto; font-size: 1.125rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; order: 1; padding: 0px;">What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?</span></div><div class="accordion__body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: 0.0625rem none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none rgb(177, 174, 174); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-height: none; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><div class="comp class com.about.mantle.model.extended.docv2.sc.blocks.StructuredContentFaqEx$Faq mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content_1-0-section-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="faq-accordion__item-answer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The main difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is the materials they're made of. Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. Both floorings are stain-resistant and offer the option of underlayment, but are built a bit differently.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="accordion__header js-accordion-trigger" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-section-1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: auto; display: flex; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: background 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;" tabindex="-1"><span class="accordion__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 1 auto; font-size: 1.125rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; order: 1; padding: 0px;">What is cheaper, laminate or vinyl?</span></div><div class="accordion__body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: 0.0625rem none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none rgb(177, 174, 174); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-height: none; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><div class="comp class com.about.mantle.model.extended.docv2.sc.blocks.StructuredContentFaqEx$Faq mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content_1-0-section-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="faq-accordion__item-answer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vinyl and laminate flooring are similarly priced, though sheet vinyl can sometimes be found slightly cheaper. Luxury vinyl options can be much more expensive than laminate.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="accordion__header js-accordion-trigger" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-section-2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: auto; display: flex; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: background 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;" tabindex="-1"><span class="accordion__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 1 auto; font-size: 1.125rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; order: 1; padding: 0px;">Which lasts longer, vinyl or laminate?</span></div><div class="accordion__body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: 0.0625rem none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none rgb(177, 174, 174); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-height: none; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><div class="comp class com.about.mantle.model.extended.docv2.sc.blocks.StructuredContentFaqEx$Faq mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content_1-0-section-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="faq-accordion__item-answer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Laminate and vinyl flooring have similar lifespans when properly cared for, though vinyl flooring is considered more resilient, which may ensure a longer lifespan for many users.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="accordion__header js-accordion-trigger" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-section-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: auto; display: flex; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: background 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;" tabindex="-1"><span class="accordion__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 1 auto; font-size: 1.125rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; order: 1; padding: 0px;">Which is better for pets, vinyl or laminate flooring?</span></div><div class="accordion__body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: 0.0625rem none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none rgb(177, 174, 174); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-height: none; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><div class="comp class com.about.mantle.model.extended.docv2.sc.blocks.StructuredContentFaqEx$Faq mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content_1-0-section-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="faq-accordion__item-answer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vinyl flooring is superior to laminate when it comes to pets. This is due to vinyl's 100% synthetic constructions, which makes it waterproof.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table; font-family: Karla, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="accordion__header js-accordion-trigger" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-section-4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: auto; display: flex; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: background 0.15s ease-in-out 0s;" tabindex="-1"><span class="accordion__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 1 auto; font-size: 1.125rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6875; margin: 0px; order: 1; padding: 0px;">Which is more scratch resistant, laminate or vinyl?</span></div><div class="accordion__body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: 0.0625rem none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none rgb(177, 174, 174); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-height: none; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><div class="comp class com.about.mantle.model.extended.docv2.sc.blocks.StructuredContentFaqEx$Faq mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content" id="mntl-sc-block-faq__accordion-content_1-0-section-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="faq-accordion__item-answer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vinyl flooring is more scratch resistant than laminate flooring, but LVT and LVP may be more prone to top-layer tearing.</p></div></div></div></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="comp text-passage mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-170" style="background-color: white; border: 0.0625rem solid rgb(176, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; line-height: 1.65; margin: 2.5rem 0px; padding: 1.875rem 1.5625rem; position: relative; width: 600px;"><div style="color: #222222;"><span face="Karla, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span face="Karla, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Hope this article is helpful. Here is a link to the original:</span></span></div><div><span face="Karla, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">https://www.thespruce.com/vinyl-vs-laminate-flooring-1822800</span></span></div></div><div class="comp has-details inline-video text-passage mntl-sc-block lifestyle-sc-block-inlinevideo mntl-sc-block-inlinevideo mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.65; margin: 2rem auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; width: 540px;"><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-inlinevideo__video-container mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block-inlinevideo__video-container_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="comp mntl-sc-block-inlinevideo__duration mntl-block" id="mntl-sc-block-inlinevideo__duration_1-0" style="align-items: center; background-color: #4a4a4a; border-radius: 0.125rem; bottom: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0.125rem 0.125rem 0.125rem 0.0625rem; box-sizing: border-box; color: white; display: flex; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0.3rem 0.4rem; padding: 0px 0.5rem; position: absolute; z-index: 1;"></div></div></div>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-33841908870692430672012-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:002012-07-06T20:56:02.896-07:00General Contractors and FlooringGeneral contractors and home builders, in my experience, do not do a good job with specialty trades. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a flooring contractor, so I probably carry around a small chip on my shoulder. That said, I believe consumers of remolding services should hire a reputable flooring contractor even if they already have a GC. In my 20+ years of experience in the remodeling industry at many different levels, I witness more flaws in flooring than in all the other trades combined when inspecting new or remodel construction.<br />
<br />
Why? Well, I can see a couple of reasons. For starters, builders and GCs are not willing to pay even decent rates for flooring work. Thus, if they sub out the floor work, the tend to hire from the bottom of the barrel. Additionally, the floor work is also usually the highest margin work, which means the temptation to do the work themselves (or hiring bottom feeders) becomes even more tempting.<br />
<br />
This then leads to 2 problems. The 1st and most obvious is the work is sub-par. The 2nd problem is that the GC and/or builder know enough about flooring to be dangerous and not nearly enough to be proficient. In the flooring industry, there is so much to know about all the different types of flooring, that only someone who spends all of their time in the industry can be helpful. I cannot count the number of times I see mid-grade and often cheap pre-finished flooring installed in nice homes. I also, (gasp) see a ton of t-molding, quarter round, door jambs that aren't undercut, etc... Because an average carpenter can probably do an o.k. job installing pre-finished flooring, they insist that pre-finished flooring is the only option. I suppose this is better than a jack-of-all trades trying to sand and finish a floor, but again, you - the person paying big bucks for a remodel - shouldn't have the most visible and used portion of the project done by hackers and amateurs.<br />
<br />
My advice is simple. Find out who the contractor uses to do the flooring work. If they don't use someone who has an excellent reputation you can verify on Angie's List or similar site, I would find the flooring company on your own. Not only will you get better floors, you will probably pay less; avoiding the proverbial double whammy.The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-75188592589130187962012-01-18T13:15:00.001-08:002012-01-18T23:22:01.823-08:00Maple Flooring...what do you think?<div><br /><div><br /><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><div>I love mapl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto12NdE9xl9KO41rSsgwr9ThSlsQbdy-KQL_YhaFnKF3nRxlKHTkoDs2OouZymsOG0ZXtZdGYK4M1RvMN-jN42kS3a702fgAbJlXytq1TKbkO7r4iXDRQpeZbhRLxZDwRcI1amLOS1D0/s1600/light+stained+maple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699234090538167506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto12NdE9xl9KO41rSsgwr9ThSlsQbdy-KQL_YhaFnKF3nRxlKHTkoDs2OouZymsOG0ZXtZdGYK4M1RvMN-jN42kS3a702fgAbJlXytq1TKbkO7r4iXDRQpeZbhRLxZDwRcI1amLOS1D0/s200/light+stained+maple.jpg" /></a>e flooring. It is a very hard species (see basketball courts and bowling alleys) and I think it also a very beautiful species. In my years in the flooring business, I have seen, worked on, and installed many maple floors. The critics of maple flooring typically say that it is too light in color, or that the floor shows too many gaps. I'll speak to both of those points specifically...and then let you decide if maple is good fit for your home or business.</div><div> </div><div>The natural color of maple flooring is something you are either going to like or dislike; so this is a matter of preference. I do meet people that think they are stuck with whatever color it is, and don't like it; in which case I advise them that there are options. First, a natural maple floor finished with water-based finish is going to look a lot different than a maple floor that is finished with an oil-based finish (see pics below). Secondly, a maple floor, if properly sanded and conditioned, can take a stain and look absolutley stunning (picture top left and another stained maple floor below). That said, many flooring contractors will say they can stain maple and then proceed to do a horrible job. There are also contractors that will say that you just simply can't stain maple floors.</div><div> </div><div>Choosing a compitent flooring contractor is a whole different topic, but trust me, there are floor sanders in every market that can and do stain maple correctly. If you are outside of the Denver Metro area and ProWorks Flooring is not an option, I would definately have any contractor who says he/she can stain maple, provide references and pictures.</div><div> </div><div>The reason why staining maple is so hard is because the wood is very dense, thus making it difficult for the wood to absorb stain. We use special techniques to sand and then condition a maple floor that is different than when we stain oak.</div><div> </div><div>With regard to gaps in the floor, this is typical of any hardwood, but often more noticeable with maple. Maple, being a very hard wood, is less stable than oak; meaning that it will expand and contract more than oak with changes in relative humidity...not much, but enough to notice. Also, especially when it is finished naturally with water-based finish, maple is very light in color; almost white. Thus the gaps, which appear black, will contrast more than they would on a darker floor and appear more obvious.</div><div> </div><div>If the thought of gaps is bothersome, I would recommend staining the floor a darker color. Or, you may try installing and running a humidifier (and or de-humidifier depending on where you live) to keep humidity levels in the home as close to 40% as possible. If you can maintain close to 40% humidity year round, the wood will be remain stable, greatly reducing its tendency to expand and contract.</div><div> </div><div>The basketball court shows maple with oil-based finish. The kitchen shows maple with a water-based finish. The last picture (and the one up top) show maple with different stains.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rUIJw7ksI4ClozIJ3xcbue3U2CKwMM00Edr7bgRBeEb5gNz0hAo9tjhKvwnt0tyB46XafUcBe13vhm3YUo0h8GM0Wv3037JMeROW2Ank4m9fhgez4KOED2piTzj8FbsQs9k5W4h29Dg/s1600/Maple+oil-based.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699236057009413890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rUIJw7ksI4ClozIJ3xcbue3U2CKwMM00Edr7bgRBeEb5gNz0hAo9tjhKvwnt0tyB46XafUcBe13vhm3YUo0h8GM0Wv3037JMeROW2Ank4m9fhgez4KOED2piTzj8FbsQs9k5W4h29Dg/s200/Maple+oil-based.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GDrwXfZGLyefK0FDRqGefgW2DT_TJGzkOwIim6wHOZ2pabs6Af4vo-6T-NxibZyFRfhNpWcaWBt-8cZHT0qAAXz91DytijuU_f8UD9Ok5rjpwcDOV6KAe4l2xAIbER4XEin9jAyIrMA/s1600/Maple+Natural+water-base.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 175px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699232148127604866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GDrwXfZGLyefK0FDRqGefgW2DT_TJGzkOwIim6wHOZ2pabs6Af4vo-6T-NxibZyFRfhNpWcaWBt-8cZHT0qAAXz91DytijuU_f8UD9Ok5rjpwcDOV6KAe4l2xAIbER4XEin9jAyIrMA/s200/Maple+Natural+water-base.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaLbTvyLlzWaI3BjxAcE33pUqigMfKQo_MYQGqFklitQDwRAbCvQ-fxdD3wKVO3BGaLhCoMqc9JgrK59BXgn8zVPZsuD_F3edP3ZqP08yVOlrfrG4MB-0pXAKrp-QCJPNnDZqFq5pTok/s1600/Jul+2010+343.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699234090447171202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaLbTvyLlzWaI3BjxAcE33pUqigMfKQo_MYQGqFklitQDwRAbCvQ-fxdD3wKVO3BGaLhCoMqc9JgrK59BXgn8zVPZsuD_F3edP3ZqP08yVOlrfrG4MB-0pXAKrp-QCJPNnDZqFq5pTok/s200/Jul+2010+343.jpg" /></a></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQlILQqYlCYJZtsWpqTZvCcx9Gm84bDHbBmI6S89ikW7qfQCn6ObE0fMqXgP9N5F6nXGjY70CFmstI05XRhW_JN5pe_-A5OrWpgXbuoLYy1NQEG4FPUJllliGe7e86CX8fKhG0LYDaM/s1600/Natural+oil-based.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-61270767386920659282011-03-03T15:36:00.000-08:002011-03-03T16:22:55.094-08:00How Hard is Hard?Another question that comes up often is what hardwoods are the hardest. The answer to that question is fairly easy, but probably not the right question. So as not to dissapoint, let's start with the answer to the question.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball to half its diameter in wood. It is one of the best measures of the ability of wood species to withstand denting. By the same token, it also is a good indicator of how hard or easy a species is to saw or nail.<br /><br /><br /><br />The hardest species that we work with regulary is Brazilian Walnut with a rating of 3680<br /><br />The most common hardwood flooring in the US is Northern Red Oak with a rating of 1290<br /><br />Other popular species:<br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Brazilian Cherry 2820</li><br /><li>Santos Mahogany 2200</li><br /><li>Hickory 1820</li><br /><li>Maple 1450</li><br /><li>Ash 1320</li><br /><li>Beech 1300</li><br /><li>Birch 1260</li><br /><li>Heart Pine 1225</li><br /><li>White Oak 1210</li><br /><li>Douglas Fir 660</li></ul><br />Now, for the truth that surprises most people. A Douglas Fir floor that is properly finished and maintained will perform better over time than a Brazilian Walnut floor that is poorly finished and/or poorly maintained. As a consumer, what this means is that your floors long-term success has more to do to with who installs and finishes it, how they do it, what finish products get used, how many coats get put down, how thick/thin the coats get applied, etc.<br /><br /><br /><br />To summerize, my advice is simple. Do not make wood species hardness a huge factor in your decision making process when choosing a floor. Pick a species that you really like and make sure you hire a contractor with a great local reputation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://proworksflooring.com/">ProWorks Flooring</a>, in Denver, CO has established a repution over a decade of doing solid quality work. What sets us apart, however, is our commitment to our clients flooring's long-term sucess through regular inspections and preventive maintainance every 2-3 years. If you live outside of the Denver Metro area, you should look for a flooring contractor that will provide the ongoing inspections and maintainence as part of their normal service.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you are shopping for prefinished flooring, look at the type of finish (aluminum vs. titanium oxide), and number of coats as a far better indicator of durability than the species relative hardness. Furthermore, make sure you are taking care of the floors properly and having them coated at regular intervals.<br /><br /><br /><br />Read through my other postings to learn about proper care and maintainence.<br /><br /><br /><br />Questions? Email me at <a href="mailto:matt@proworksflooring.com">matt@proworksflooring.com</a>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-44199010674859843082011-02-18T17:54:00.001-08:002011-02-18T18:37:50.895-08:00Oil poly versus Water-based finish...Which is better?This is probably the question I get the most often in my profession. What type of finish is better. My answer usually isn't what people expect, because it isn't a simple answer. There are many differences and we will explore them in this posting. Ultimately, <em>your circumstances</em> will determine which finish is better for <strong><em>you</em></strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Durability</strong> - this is probably at the heart of the question "which one is better." If you were to ask 100 flooring contractors this question, you would probably have 50 of them say that oil poly is better. 49 would say that the water-base is better. And me, always the outlier and the nonconformist, would say that they are too similar to differentiate with respect to durability. I'm sure that their are plenty of old schoolers and chemists that could make a solid arguement for one or the other, but what they can't do is ensure that everybody applying the finishes are using good brands, not thinning them down, and making sure that they are applied properly, both in terms of number of coats AND thickness of each coat.<br /><br />What I have found over 10 years in the industry is that if each product is applied properly using quality products, the difference in durability is indiscernable.<br /><br />So, why do I think that 99 contractors out of 100 will swear on one finish or the other? I suspect that what they are telling you is what type of finish they <em>like working with</em> the best.<br /><br />That said, I would not be discouraged if you meet with several flooring contractors and they don't agree on which type of finish is better. If you feel like you have met someone you can trust and they come well recommended, you are best to allow them to work with the finish they like to work with. They will do a better job with that type of finish.<br /><br />In my practice, I have crews that specialize in water-based finish and crews that specialize in oil-based finish. Therefore my clients decision to use a particular type finish will not be related to what I like better, rather it will be a decision that we come to based on the following factors.<br /><br /><strong>Price</strong> - This one is simple. Water-based finish costs more than oil-based finish. Usually by a square footage factor of 50 cents to dollar more.<br /><br /><strong>Convenience</strong> - Dry times and smells - water based finishes dry in 2-3 hours per coat and have very little odor (smells like a very mild cleaning product). Each coat of oil-based finish takes 10-20 hours to dry and has very high levels of VOC. Typically, you should plan to be out of the house for 2-3 days if working with oil-based poly.<br /><br /><strong>Look</strong> - Oil poly will typically give the floor a little color and richness, while the water-based products tend to be clear. If you will be staining the floor, this is mostly a non-factor as the stain will be determining the color and not the finish.<br /><br />Over time, the oil poly will darken and amber while water-based finish will hold it's color better. This can be a significant factor in 5 years and may or may not be a good look for your house.<br /><br /><strong>Feel</strong> - oil poly conditions the wood better than water-based products and therefore you can expect that the oil poly floor will feel smoother upon completion. This difference is especially noticeable if you hire someone who strongly prefers working with oil and you hire them to do water anyways. If you hire someone who prefers water, they should know the "tricks of the trade" to make the floor smooth. Further, both floors will smooth out (the grain will settle down) over the first couple of weeks as the spirits or water fully evaporate. And finally, as you live on your floors, your foot traffic will further polish the floor.<br /><br />All that said, if your floor feels like sand paper, your contractor should lightly sand and put down another coat of finish (assuming the floor looks good and is just rough).<br /><br />To conclude, I hope that I have given you enough to think about to make a solid decision. For most of my clients, we usually make the decision around color and the convenience factor.<br /><br />As always, feel free to email me <a href="mailto:matt@proworksflooring.com">matt@proworksflooring.com</a> with more questions on this topic or ANY topic related to hardwood, laminate and tile flooring.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />MattThe Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-77210832721198952082010-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:002011-03-03T16:27:34.106-08:00How to Fix a Squeeky FloorDoes you floor squeak, or creak under normal foot traffic? This is very common, and not just in old homes. I've seen homes that are only 6 months old with squeaky floors. Ninety nine times out of a hundred, the squeaks are a result of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub floor</span> pulling loose from a joist that has settled slightly lower than the joists on either side of it. Unfortunately, builders nail instead of screw the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub floor</span> to the joists, hence the nail easily pulls free from the joist if there is any settling at all.<br /><br /><br /><br />The are a couple of ways to cure a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">squeaky</span> floor. If you plan to install new flooring, the easiest fix is to secure the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub floor</span> to the joists using wood screws every 8-10 inches. If you don't have plans to change out your floors, then you'll have to get a little bit more creative.<br /><br /><br /><br />Assuming you have access to a basement or a crawl space below the creaky floor and that space is unfinished, you can fix the floor from underneath. If you aren't sure exactly where the squeak is when you are under it, have someone dance around on the squeaky part of the floor while you are underneath it. By looking at the joists and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub floor</span>, it should be pretty easy to tell which joist has settled because there will be a slightly visible gap. From here, the fix is simple...just jam shims into the void until it is tight and your done!<br /><br /><br /><br />And for the bad news...if your basement is finished and you don't intend to replace your floors anytime soon, you are pretty much stuck with the creaks in your floor. I can't tell you how many times I have seen beautiful hardwood floors that someone has driven nails and screws through; and almost <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span>, with no luck at mitigating the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">squeak</span>. Folks assume the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">squeaking</span> is coming from the hardwood floor, which is almost never the case - it is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub floor</span> "bouncing" on a sunken joist. So, not only will you not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">succeed</span> by driving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fasteners</span> into the hardwood floor, you will also permanently scar the floor, so that you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> you hear them squeak or see the damage, you will be reminded of what a ding dong you are.The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-31939599737657712622010-08-03T14:31:00.000-07:002010-08-03T15:11:20.699-07:00Wood Floor AcclimationAs a consumer of flooring, I wish you the best of luck getting a straight answer from anybody in my industry addressing the topic of acclimation. Not that my industry is full of dishonest people...we will just say that their is a lot of "riff raff" out there. Riff raff, of course is a broad term that describes folks that are lazy, uneducated, or both.<br /><br />If you call 10 different flooring companies and ask them how long you need to acclimate your wood before installing it, you are likely to get 10 different answers...and each one will be WRONG. Wanna know why?<br /><br />ACCLIMATING WOOD IS NOT A FUNCTION OF TIME. IT IS A FUNCTION OF HUMIDITY.<br /><br />So there it is. It is that simple. Your wood is properly acclimated when the humidity levels in the wood are +/- 3% of the humidity in the subfloor. That could take 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days, or 2 weeks.<br /><br />I suppose if you can't get your hands on a moisture meter, you <em>should</em> be safe waiting 2 weeks, but there is simply no guarantee. Just a few weeks ago, I met with a potential customer who had purchased prefinished bamboo flooring off the internet and had it shipped to her home. She rightly had the wood delivered into the home (not outside, not in the garage). After 4 weeks, she was certain that the wood was acclimated, and I suggested, just to be sure, that we test the wood. Well, the wood was tightly packed in boxes and sealed in plastic wrap, and, as I suspected, it was 6% more moist than the subfloor.<br /><br />To speed up the acclimation process, we decided to strip off the plastic wrap, open up the boxes of wood, and spread the flooring across the subfloor, and, voila...2 days later the flooring was ready to roll.<br /><br />So here is the deal: No matter what you have read or what you've been told, trust me, and please measure the moisture content of the wood and subfloor before you begin installing the floor.<br /><br />If you interview a contractor who tells you the wood needs to acclimate for 2 weeks inside the home, here is what you should ask: "How are you going to be sure that the wood is going to be ready?" If he/she doesn't get it, then that is the riff raff I was talking about earlier. These guys are either too lazy or too stupid to get a moisture meter and properly test the wood.<br /><br />If you are anxious to install your floors and you would like to speed up the acclimation process, here are a few tips from the example above:<br /><br />1: Make sure the wood is delivered in the home, on the same level and in the room(s) you are going to be installing in.<br />2: Remove all plastic and cardboard containers and spread the wood out, face up, directly on the subfloor.<br />3: Don't mess with your humidifier or climate controls - leave them where they would normally be.<br /><br />Finally, when the wood floor is within 3% of the subfloor, it is safe to install the new flooring. Definately make sure that you are using 15# felt paper underlayment. The reason this is critical is because the subfloor will naturally remain 2-3% drier than the flooring, and the felt paper will ensure that the drier subfloor doesn't "wick" moisture out the wood floor and cause it to shrink more than normal.<br /><br />Hope this helps, and as always, feel free to email me if you have any more questions: <a href="mailto:matt@proworksflooring.com">matt@proworksflooring.com</a>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-10384789284154940022009-03-17T14:21:00.000-07:002009-03-17T15:03:34.984-07:00Product Review - Basic Coatings Emulsion Finish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila3zsIrAcNGq2uV5C0z9jk2KuP4CiqSIvEpFbqaofjIw0wRIyiL9OLYbDSKEdhflPwdGemCxkRun04Xrte75VeQHA_vB7HAEhZF3Y8IJdvVqwYhk1EAe1GQdS24J4YfIHlvcZioaoVUQ/s1600-h/Emulsion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314280275632083218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila3zsIrAcNGq2uV5C0z9jk2KuP4CiqSIvEpFbqaofjIw0wRIyiL9OLYbDSKEdhflPwdGemCxkRun04Xrte75VeQHA_vB7HAEhZF3Y8IJdvVqwYhk1EAe1GQdS24J4YfIHlvcZioaoVUQ/s200/Emulsion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>For the typical homeowner, this review could bore you to tears. I'll try to stay on the surface and keep the content relevant to what matters to you. <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Pages/default.aspx">Basic Coatings</a>, a manufacturer of wood floor finishes has a product called Emulsion, which I have wanted to try out for a while. They advertise <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Products/Pages/Waterbased%20Topcoats.aspx?ProdDispGrp=5&Attribute=7374&ClassID=">Emulsion</a> as a water-based polyurethane finish that has the "the warm, rich, amber tones of an oil-based finish." Their claim is in fact THE ANSWER (assuming it works!) to the one major complaint both contractors and homeowners alike still have against current water based finishes.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Water based finishes, as you may know, are designed to outperform oil-based products. They also dry very quickly: 2-3 hours, versus 8-12 hours for oil-based. VOC levels in water-based products are considerably lower, better for the environment and better for our respritory systems as well. Finally, water-based finishes don't turn orange after several years the way oil finishes do. So, if someone could please just manufacture a quality water based finish that had some color to it...enter <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Products/Pages/Waterbased%20Topcoats.aspx?ProdDispGrp=5&Attribute=7374&ClassID=">Basic Coatings</a> and their product <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Products/Pages/Waterbased%20Topcoats.aspx?ProdDispGrp=5&Attribute=7374&ClassID=">Emulsion</a>.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I used it first on my own floors that were originally finished with clear water-based finish. My complaint about my own floors is the same one we hear out in the field all the time..."I love the upsides to water-based finish, I just don't like the color (or lack of)." Instead of sanding my floors, i just coated them, hoping that using the <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Products/Pages/Waterbased%20Topcoats.aspx?ProdDispGrp=5&Attribute=7374&ClassID=">Emulsion</a> finish on top of previous clear coats would still add some color.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>On a scale of 1-10, I give <a href="http://www.basiccoatings.com/Products/Pages/Waterbased%20Topcoats.aspx?ProdDispGrp=5&Attribute=7374&ClassID=">Emulsion</a> a 7+. It is very easy to use and did give the floor a warm, rich look that it didn't previously have. Outside of resanding or using toxic oil finishes, I didn't believe it until I tried it, and like I said I was very happy with results.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIqzuBWFU5weouGG1FJ6eYqlQq4Ar_yNvZuilmy3sykR-6KHvGgrEYoWIYykQhJy7rPLCpkR7Y9V3P6Azn5UA238KNQPQ4oWXD7XxzR2xsFFvXQgM1kA-kn_HZs6DkSMtSfeTFUQvTh0/s1600-h/BC+Emulsion+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314275971823744802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIqzuBWFU5weouGG1FJ6eYqlQq4Ar_yNvZuilmy3sykR-6KHvGgrEYoWIYykQhJy7rPLCpkR7Y9V3P6Azn5UA238KNQPQ4oWXD7XxzR2xsFFvXQgM1kA-kn_HZs6DkSMtSfeTFUQvTh0/s200/BC+Emulsion+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314276181077703394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy5r9TrMx7mPiAe2dNIXKwEWj4xiMF8yzn2tuwAyR-jXyMjeP6rYNDEbsw6WckPoN9LPAoOpmzhpXKQERaxCvtIb6kIsK8nWKsbsoZvgIbTpOKOqYK4LASoVIR8dJXSgyaXwgGUrZwL4/s200/BC+Emulsion+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>I wish I had some before pictures so you could see the difference. I can tell you that floors that are not colored/stained inititally, and then finished with traditional water-based finishes, will be very light in color to start and will fade over time; often giving them a near white-wash look after 5 years or so. In most homes, this is not a nice look.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The reason I rated the product a 7.5 instead of a 9 was that is was not easy to apply (compared to other high water-based products). It bubbled and foamed up too easily, and wasn't quite as thick as I would have liked. That said, I'm sure after I use it several more times I'll feel better about it and perhaps rate it higher.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>To conclude, I really do like this finish. I like to use it when re-coating (not sanding) floors that are in good shape, but need a little rich color. Now that I'm sold, I am able to provide a much better selection of options to my clients...and this is good for everybody!</div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for reading and hopefully this was helpful...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Matt Landauer - The Floor Guy</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.proworksflooring.com/">www.proworksflooring.com</a></div></div>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-72059369008170397162009-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:002009-03-14T12:19:31.972-07:00Review of New Bona Mop<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIXYWPVoxMGkUGB2DUzi33C-OpuwrAjosYO9Va1iCqZ6yTIrf_tLuC40NJMLEnsuM7dFZ3_SCXYBVRivrp939RiXk-vx8M5rLd2AmWCTXcBSLTk_Hkm1q-BmEXsiwdzbWM6ddriasBtA/s1600-h/bonamop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313123326169405346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIXYWPVoxMGkUGB2DUzi33C-OpuwrAjosYO9Va1iCqZ6yTIrf_tLuC40NJMLEnsuM7dFZ3_SCXYBVRivrp939RiXk-vx8M5rLd2AmWCTXcBSLTk_Hkm1q-BmEXsiwdzbWM6ddriasBtA/s200/bonamop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>While I like most Bona products, this new mop is silly! It is big and bulky and is built like a cheap volkswagen. The first one I bought broke while I was trying to put it together. I took it back, got another one, and luckily didn't break the new one...right away.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mybonahome.com/mop/MopPromotion.aspx">http://www.mybonahome.com/mop/MopPromotion.aspx</a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>After I set it up, I realized I needed a class C liscense to operate it. I proceeded to smash it into many pieces. Several manufacturers have similar products and they are all just as silly. Keep the simple mop you have, or buy one that looks like this:<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhzRnCrRd6vkfb3NxXSMfNf6YcZdrKZvTHVCMKs6C7JFeiFV51ytFFnEMRtTqY69ILaoIogVZ6K0YW0aby7_PhiSR8VZW7vh8F11uSvV89Z7ofuPDhcBemBmsI5KLrGwlKVps74k46vo/s1600-h/wet+mop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313121369481424978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhzRnCrRd6vkfb3NxXSMfNf6YcZdrKZvTHVCMKs6C7JFeiFV51ytFFnEMRtTqY69ILaoIogVZ6K0YW0aby7_PhiSR8VZW7vh8F11uSvV89Z7ofuPDhcBemBmsI5KLrGwlKVps74k46vo/s200/wet+mop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313124367307319490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fuCwM_y-xa14pmRoxZR0iwop6luJjkQrdrH6t7WJwmer8TQt5g2UkrrBksmjjdv2QJVTDVxOKVYKcT8S6W-6iQhPlVESls1M_AEgMRkWBHQ5oHmnB0OipOs42KxLHQKvxz8eKo8uggA/s200/bonacleaner.png" border="0" /><br /></div></div></div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>BonaKemi makes a great cleaning product that you buy at Costco, Ace Hardware, Safeway and many online shops. Buy the big gallon jug and keep some in a spray bottle.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mybonahome.com/Home.aspx">http://www.mybonahome.com/Home.aspx</a></div></div></div></div></div>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-24818231331422163522009-03-13T21:47:00.000-07:002011-07-09T19:24:58.020-07:00How To Care For Hardwood FloorsCaring for your hardwood floors is piece of cake when you know what to use (and what not to use) and how to do it. Long gone are the days of slaving away on hands and knees, scrubbing or waxing the hardwoods. It is important however to understand the right way to take care of your floor, because mistakes can be costly.<br /><br /><br />For starters, lets assume that your floors have been recently refinished and they look great.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN THE FLOORS?</strong></em><br /><br /><br />This one is simple...as often as you like. There is no pressing need to clean them more than once a week, unless you have a busy home with lots of traffic. What you want to avoid is dirt/particles that will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">abrade</span> the floors finish under foot traffic.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>WHAT SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN THE FLOORS? ARE THERE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLEANING THAT I SHOULD DO?</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Most of the time, it is sufficient to simply dry mop the floor to keep them particulate free. My favorite type of mop is called a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Microfiber</span> mob, that has some type of electrostatic charge that attracts dust, pet hair, etc. Here is a picture:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMxir_n-XLG3l6UzRJtTEKGmDwXYYCGGnE0mTw7Mi6LtAWyR265mIlfSBRMdzHDfCukBmhClcYZuTwwavXDKHkH60SbEnleIVSCVO_PMnIAg6fKn4G6XNyumJ_GYX9j9_IxVWnF7Z7rs/s1600-h/Microfiber+Mop.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312906484852105138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMxir_n-XLG3l6UzRJtTEKGmDwXYYCGGnE0mTw7Mi6LtAWyR265mIlfSBRMdzHDfCukBmhClcYZuTwwavXDKHkH60SbEnleIVSCVO_PMnIAg6fKn4G6XNyumJ_GYX9j9_IxVWnF7Z7rs/s320/Microfiber+Mop.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Should you have scuffs/spills etc. that require wet cleaning, you can simply wipe those spots with a water damped towel (add a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dish soap</span> to warm water for a better cleaner) and then continue to dry mop the floor.<br /><br /><br />Every other week it makes sense to wet mop the entire floor, but make sure to follow these important rules for wet mopping:<br /><br /><br />1) No wax or oils - waxes and oils (M*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">rphy's</span> Oil So*p) leave a film/residue/build on your floors that becomes unsightly after several applications. Moreover, the residue makes it very difficult and often impossible to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-coat</span> the floors in the future - We will talk more about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-coating</span> floors a little later.<br /><br />2) Don't clean with vinegar...I don't care what your mom says! Vinegar mixed with water is a proven cleaner that really works. It works so well that it eats right through polyurethane. Cleaning with Vinegar and Water is not necessary and too abrasive.<br /><br />3) Products that advertise that they will bring back that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">illustrious</span> "shine" to your floors DON'T WORK and will screw up your floors! I'm not kidding here, and there are thousands of products on the shelves everywhere that people are putting on there floors to try and bring back the shine. If the shine is gone, call a flooring pro! <a href="http://www.proworksflooring.com/">http://www.proworksflooring.com/</a> We can clean, screen and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-coat</span> your floors for less money than most people spend on cleaning carpets.<br /><br />4) When I say wet mop, that doesn't mean an old school mop and bucket. DO NOT allow standing water on the floor. Remember when you where a teenager working at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taco Bell</span> (guess where I worked as a teenager) and it was your turn to clean the lobby after the store closed? That type of mopping is not what you want to do to your floors at home. When I say wet mop, I mean a damp mop, and again, not the old-school type. My favorite mop to wet clean floors looks like this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrwYXRBaA6fOsD8ydl51tcvAg4Mryk3MFkZ9Iwh8Y4KwEbSsltcENgjtdh9MdYXXgGEcahiEdfZEJpHEdxA4JLq2lOCLVhUhnTOxDO4ZaIV4lDrTdfPjexie6XJ4aE690GeOk5mKZJp4/s1600-h/wet+mop.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 261px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312911618175865314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrwYXRBaA6fOsD8ydl51tcvAg4Mryk3MFkZ9Iwh8Y4KwEbSsltcENgjtdh9MdYXXgGEcahiEdfZEJpHEdxA4JLq2lOCLVhUhnTOxDO4ZaIV4lDrTdfPjexie6XJ4aE690GeOk5mKZJp4/s320/wet+mop.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This mop has a terry cloth cleaning head with elastic that is easy to remove and rinse during cleaning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>HOW LONG WILL MY FLOORS LAST BEFORE THEY NEED TO BE REFINISHED?</strong></em><br /><br /><br />The answer here will totally shock most of you...if you follow the simple cleaning instructions above, and have your floors re-coated every 1-3 years, you may NEVER need to refinish your floors.<br /><br /><br />Now, if you would like to change the color of your floors, you will have to have them sanded, but assuming you like the color they are now, we can help you keep them looking great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">indefinitely</span>.<br /><br /><br />If you never have the floors <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-coated</span>, they should last 2-10 years, depending on traffic. I know this is a wide range, but traffic really does vary a ton from house to house. If you live in a house where every square inch of the wood is covered with soft-backed areas rugs, you have no kids/pets and you never wear shoes in the home, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">theoretically</span> these floors will last forever. In my house - 5 kids, 3 cats and Dad is The Flooring Guy, so he can fix them, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">which</span> means I can ride my bike and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Rollerblades</span> through the house at will - every 12 months they need to re-coated.<br /><br /><strong><em>PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THIS RE-COAT THING IS...I'M CLUELESS</em></strong><br /><br /><br />May I start by saying it is virtually painless, if you hire the right company to do it. In almost every home we work in, this procedure takes less than a day. We take care of all the furniture. You are back on the floors 2-3 hours after we are done. No sanding, no mess. If done at the right intervals, they will look like they did the last time they were refinished.<br /><br /><br />Basically, what we are doing is scuffing the finish and applying a new top coat of water-based polyurethane. This will address most, if not all of the scratches in the existing finish (provided you haven't dropped an anvil on the floor, and you are having this service done at regular intervals).<br /><br /><br />And the best part is that this service typically costs about a third of what a full refinish costs. In most US markets, this service costs $1.00 to $1.50 a square foot. So, for less money than what the average household spends on carpet cleaning each year, you can keep your hardwood floors looking great by having them CLEANED, SCREENED AND RE-COATED every 1-3 years by a local hardwood flooring professional. In and around Denver, your choice is simple:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.proworksflooring.com/"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 58px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312917600250783154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvaD_vgcmVguUvFhRiOpbGhiNllvWEgnW4zx5y-rCI35AkurXzlQNU8dCVF3azC2EdNalgk4mMdXyCT7rCzMMxBIDnLKOxsm3hKTuL-by0t8sAh2b7kJDoDHzLmTgZc_plCoaJ_2GI4Q/s200/Red+Logo.JPG" /></a>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-36990181333237485762009-03-07T22:12:00.000-08:002009-03-14T05:47:50.024-07:00The Truth About Prefinished Flooring<em></em><em>Is pre-finished flooring better than the old-fashioned raw wood, finished on-site?</em><br /><br />This all depends on what is important to you. In most cases (over 90% of the time) when a consumer is given ALL the information (without bias) they almost unanimously choose the look and feel of the custom install, sand and finish project. The problem is that consumers don’t even get to see the difference when they shop for flooring at any of the retailers in town.<br /><br />Flooring retailers are only selling pre-finished flooring products. You don’t stand a chance of being able to make an educated decision if this is your only means of shopping. They will tell you horror stories of the mess and toxic fumes created when doing a site sanding and finish. The reality, especially today, is not at all as they describe it.<br /><br />Flooring companies using “dust containment” sanding equipment and high-end water-based finishes have revolutionized the industry in that these projects are <a href="http://www.proworksflooring.com/">Not Messy and You Don’t Have to Leave Your Home</a>.<br /><br />When given all options, the reason most consumers choose site-finished wood floors is the look and feel. A floor that is installed, sanded and finished on site will become one floor, artistically crafted and created for the most custom look possible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qMJnW-zqi8FQ90exc2ZsFjafMGylhKkZDfqC2JtnW15cDxQmgTgz0p5RgtRi7oAUtAm-s0bFOByT3LfVCr_jbSHH7X-yaiGq3oKtxflIT4uFYMAVnwUGqYCoVlr5ApXpddRRToO5spE/s1600-h/Ballard+After+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 211px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310698478125478130" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qMJnW-zqi8FQ90exc2ZsFjafMGylhKkZDfqC2JtnW15cDxQmgTgz0p5RgtRi7oAUtAm-s0bFOByT3LfVCr_jbSHH7X-yaiGq3oKtxflIT4uFYMAVnwUGqYCoVlr5ApXpddRRToO5spE/s320/Ballard+After+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This picture is a site sanded and finished floor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A prefinished floor will essentially become a floor consisting of several hundred pieces of individual flooring.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ01t8v-bGzmGjFF4lhTBa9sSK1X9oYVZwMerLwrAd8hhPcdRC_wuJCltmdG8dcVEHj5qWZPr9FWgbU-Fct2FBydtPC1LyAKHILvKmoPRLkc3o6ml2FI2lq9KHNyIqVSXi1JlEEHGpRk/s1600-h/prefinished.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310700516644029650" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ01t8v-bGzmGjFF4lhTBa9sSK1X9oYVZwMerLwrAd8hhPcdRC_wuJCltmdG8dcVEHj5qWZPr9FWgbU-Fct2FBydtPC1LyAKHILvKmoPRLkc3o6ml2FI2lq9KHNyIqVSXi1JlEEHGpRk/s320/prefinished.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>If you look closely - better yet, click on this picture - you can see what we are talking about.<br /></p>The price you will pay for either floor (assuming you are comparing similar flooring) will be nearly identical. The money you save in labor on a prefinished project will be spent on more expensive materials.<br /><br />Finally, while it is true that the factory applied finish on prefinished flooring is more durable than the products we use to site finish a floor, the recommended maintenance for both floors is the same. Every 2-5 years (depending on traffic) wood floors should be lightly abraded and recoated with polyurethane.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Prefinished floor is guaranteed for 25 years, isn’t that a great deal?</span><br /></em><br />Sure it is, so long as you never intend to set foot on it. Seriously though, the warranty on a prefinished floor is a warranty that the finish won’t wear off for a certain time period under “normal” conditions. Normal is then defined on three pages of small print.<br /><br />The fact is, ALL floor finishes will scratch under normal conditions and this is NOT covered under any warranty. The way to fix finish scratches is to have your floors periodically cleaned, screened (light abrasion) and recoated by a professional flooring contractor.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prefinished flooring cannot be refinished, right?</span><br /></em><br />This is not true. In fact much of refinishing work we do is sanding prefinished floors. We do have to sand just a tad harder on our first pass to remove the beveled edge, but when we are done, you will never know that the floors were ever prefinished.<br /><br /><em style="font-weight: bold;">What about engineered flooring? Is it Good, Bad, or Ugly?</em>The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427227042221442147.post-69613291337013635262009-03-07T16:24:00.000-08:002009-03-07T16:40:10.532-08:00Hardwood floor installation is an easy do-it-yourself project…right?Today’s retailers would like you to think it’s easy. Many of them even offer free, one-hour “do-it-yourself” classes. The truth is, installing wood floors is not easy. To do it right, and well, takes a professional with plenty of experience. So why would retailers prefer you didn't know this?<br /><br />To put it simply, companies like Home Depot and MacDonald Hardwoods, are in the D-I-Y business; they make money when folks decide to save money by doing it themselves. And then they make more money when you give up and decide you can't do it yourself. Between the jacked-up retail prices of the actual flooring material, all the tools and materials you'll need (and some you don't need!), and playing middle-man between you and an installer, they've got a vested interest in “helping” you do it yourself.<br /><br />The first big profit center for a retailer is in selling you prefinished flooring (<a id="ey6-" title="everything you ever needed to know about prefinished flooring" href="http://www.tbd.com/" goog_docs_charindex="973">everything you ever needed to know about prefinished flooring</a> ). With stronger, smoother, blemish-free finish already on the wood, they've solved the problems related to sanding and taken off your plate the most skill-intensive part of the project- the sand and finish work. The prefinished wood will cost about $1.50/ft more than raw wood, which is a little more than half the cost of sanding and finishing on site (labor and materials). Seems like a good deal so far, right? But here's the thing- that extra hard finish that's applied in a factory under sterile conditions and with aluminum-oxide in it to make it bulletproof...well, its not really bulletproof. In fact, although its hardness measures higher in lab tests, it will not withstand the normal scratch culprits (small rocks in shoe treads, dog nails, furniture feet) any better than site-finished floors. On top of this, the special factory finish has absolutely no ability to reduce dings and nicks which happen as a result of impact. A quick look at the lengthy fine print of the warranty that comes with prefinished flooring will reveal that it is no more durable, in practice, than traditional site-finished hardwood floors. Finally, and most important, there's the fact that installing prefinished floors means you'll have micro-bevels at the edge of each strip of flooring creating a slatted surface that gathers dust and dirt in its grooves and looks a little bit like a boat deck. At the end of the day, prefinished floors are almost never what people really wanted when they decided on hardwood floors.<br /><br />The second way Home Depot wins when you get ready to do-it-yourself is by selling all of the tools and extra materials you'll need over the course of the project. At some point you'll decide you need some knee pads. They've got a cool looking pair on aisle ten. Want to see how your saw cuts with a shiny new blade? There's one right by the checkout. You get the picture.<br /><br />Lots of guys tell a variation on the same story: how they started with a rush of enthusiasm and made great progress the first day. Then when some of the trickier parts of the installation come up, they soldier on- maybe a little too fast, and regret not getting that one cut a little further under the door jamb. Sheepishly, they admit that somewhere along the course of the project, Home Depot became less of a "supplier" in the construction sense, and more of a garage, where they return each morning to outfit themselves with tools and materials for the day's work. Let's face it- most of us enjoy shopping, and those who don't do it anyway. The DIY retailers know this and they make money selling us stuff we think we need.<br /><br />But here's the biggest reason the retailer wants you to do it yourself: you're likely to give up. For every ten do-it-yourself projects, two are completed by the DIY-er (and still with dubious results). Three are aborted part of the way through; totally abandoned until a later rush of momentum scraps what was started and starts over with new material and a new plan. And on five out of ten projects, the person who started optimistically, armed with an education and a nailer from MacDonald's Hardwoods, realizes he's in over his head. There are just too many details that need to go right to make this project successful.<br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4316">Sub-floor preparation and floor leveling</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4378">Understanding moisture barriers and what type to use over different sub-floors</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4477">Cutting back door jambs to allow flooring to fit snuggly underneath</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4554">Where and how to begin the installation</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4602">What to do when it is time to reverse the direction of the install</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4677">Working through hallways, around doors, and into closets</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tbd/" goog_docs_charindex="4742">Transitioning to different types of flooring…professionally</a><br /><br /><a id="i51g" title="Securing the last 3 or 4 rows when the nailer doesn’t fit between the flooring and the wall" href="http://www.tbd.com/" goog_docs_charindex="4810">Securing the last 3 or 4 rows when the nailer doesn’t fit between the flooring and the wall</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tbd.com/" goog_docs_charindex="4911">Cutting a “rip” for the last row without cutting off your hand</a><br /><br />So, when you decide all these things will take you too long to learn and too many tools to fit on your credit card, guess who has installers to help you? That's right! And financing to make it possible too! Home Depot, MacDonald Hardwoods, Loew's, they all will supply subcontractors to do your project. Because of the additional middle-man, you'll pay 35-50% more for the service, but don't expect for the service to be better than normal. Flooring subs hate the Home Depot jobs because there's always something the estimator forgot. One that comes up a lot is moving an appliance like a refrigerator or a pedastal sink- it must be done if the flooring is to be installed professionally, but the flooring guy is not authorized to touch what is not on his work order (especially not plumbing). This makes for projects with low morale that drag on and on. Often the homeowner settles for subpar workmanship just to get the grumpy installer out of his house for good, but make no mistake, Home Depot will get their check in the end.<br /><br />So why hide the fact that a reasonably solid flooring installation (one that adds value to the home) is a little too much for the ordinary homeowner? Because there's too much money in selling the wood, then selling the tools, then selling the guys. Don't be fooled- find those guys yourself (<a id="t_7j" title="how to find and hire the perfect contractor" href="http://www.tbd.com/" goog_docs_charindex="6321">how to find and hire the perfect contractor</a> ), and let them estimate their own work, so they'll be accountable for the whole project. It won't be hard to tell from your first conversation with them whether they know enough to get you to the finish line quickly.The Floor Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09032406206680154728noreply@blogger.com2